Pennsylvania Governor Signs Wi-Fi Bill

The governor of Pennsylvania last week signed into law a controversial bill that includes, among myriad items, a provision giving incumbent carriers the ability to prevent cities from creating and charging for municipal Wi-Fi networks.

The governor of Pennsylvania last week signed into law a controversial bill that includes, among myriad items, a provision giving incumbent carriers the ability to prevent cities from creating and charging for municipal Wi-Fi networks.
Verizon, which offers DSL services in Philadelphia, pushed for passage of the bill.

"Gov. [Edward] Rendells signature of House Bill 30 into law is the right call for Pennsylvanians," said James ORourke, president and CEO of Verizon Pennsylvania.

The bill has received much attention because Philadelphia announced plans in September to offer municipal wireless services. Despite the bill, Verizon said that it will support Philadelphias plans but has yet to say whether it will support the public Wi-Fi plans of other Pennsylvania cities.
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